MD 2022-2023 MCAP Results: Only 14% proficient ELA, 13 proficient math at state-level; MCPS 13.5% ELA, 13.7% math

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is a crappy article. You can fund the latest MCAP data on this site:

https://reportcard.msde.maryland.gov/Graphs/#/AtaGlance/Index/3/17/6/15/XXXX/2022

I don't know why you think it's crappy, but the data in the article is not the same as what's available on the site. That site only has last year's data.

It looks like the investigative reporter at WJLA got their hands on MSDE data that is soon to be released or hasn't been widely released yet, probably via a FOIA request or something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SOURCE: https://wjla.com/features/i-team/maryland-education-scores-students-math-english-proficiency-state-tests-inequity-ela-students-teachers-academics-covid-19-pandemic-learning-fog-naacp-economic-prince-georges-county-montgomery-pgcps-mcps#

In a startling revelation, over 80% of Maryland students have fallen short on state proficiency tests in math and English language arts, according to scores reported by the state's Department of Education.

The statewide test scores indicate a mere 14.4% of students across all grades demonstrating proficiency in English language arts, with an even lower 13.2% proficiency in math.

Digging deeper into the data shows economic circumstances are closely intertwined with academic achievement. Among the students classified as "economically disadvantaged," only 24% managed to pass the English language arts proficiency tests. In stark contrast, 53% of their more affluent peers achieved proficiency in ELA. The same pattern emerged in math, where family income played a significant role. Twenty-five percent of "economically advantaged" students passed the math proficiency tests, while 5.9% of their disadvantaged counterparts scored high enough to pass the proficiency test.

In Montgomery County, the situation is slightly better, with 15 Maryland school districts outperforming their 13.5% ELA proficiency, and 11 districts surpassing their 13.7% math proficiency.

Recognizing the pressing need to enhance literacy and mathematics performance, especially among African American and Latino students, Montgomery County Public Schools have made it a top priority.

"It absolutely is a top priority for Montgomery County Public Schools to improve literacy and mathematics performance among our African American and Latino students," said Jessica Baxter, MCPS director of public information as she emphasized the school system's dedication.

The district has proactively shaped policy discussions and allocated budget investments to this cause. Approved in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, these investments include the addition of instructional staff and coaches to provide increased support in math and literacy, diligent oversight and progress monitoring, and expanded professional development opportunities for acceleration, enrichment, intervention, credit recovery, or original credit, with options available both in-person and virtually.

I thought this was the year we were supposed to see improvements after last year being the first year back in school from COVID? The bar is on the floor and I'm not seeing thoughtful investigations of root-cause analyses or meaningful solutions. And before anyone says, "It's poor kids," it's not. Even "economically-advantaged" students managed 53% ELA proficiency at 25% math proficiency.

This is a five-alarm fire kind of situation. Where's the leadership from MCPS on this?

So, this is kind of hard to interpret but one thing that strikes me is that MoCo does seem to be genuinely plummeting through the ranks. If I look at last year's numbers (https://marylandpublicschools.org/stateboard/Documents/2023/0124/MCAPAssessmentResultsPart2.pdf) there are 5 or 6 counties ahead of MCPS within the state of Maryland.

But now there are more than 10 counties ahead of MCPS. So, even within Maryland and even as one of the best-resourced districts, MCPS is falling through the ranks year-over-year.

That's disconcerting to say the least.

Your analysis is spot on and you nailed it. MCPS has some explaining to do.

[Anonymous]

Evidence of Learning presentation to BOe
https://mcpsmd.new.swagit.com/videos/222933

K-12 Comprehensive math plan update
https://mcpsmd.new.swagit.com/videos/230561

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SOURCE: https://wjla.com/features/i-team/maryland-education-scores-students-math-english-proficiency-state-tests-inequity-ela-students-teachers-academics-covid-19-pandemic-learning-fog-naacp-economic-prince-georges-county-montgomery-pgcps-mcps#

In a startling revelation, over 80% of Maryland students have fallen short on state proficiency tests in math and English language arts, according to scores reported by the state's Department of Education.

The statewide test scores indicate a mere 14.4% of students across all grades demonstrating proficiency in English language arts, with an even lower 13.2% proficiency in math.

Digging deeper into the data shows economic circumstances are closely intertwined with academic achievement. Among the students classified as "economically disadvantaged," only 24% managed to pass the English language arts proficiency tests. In stark contrast, 53% of their more affluent peers achieved proficiency in ELA. The same pattern emerged in math, where family income played a significant role. Twenty-five percent of "economically advantaged" students passed the math proficiency tests, while 5.9% of their disadvantaged counterparts scored high enough to pass the proficiency test.

In Montgomery County, the situation is slightly better, with 15 Maryland school districts outperforming their 13.5% ELA proficiency, and 11 districts surpassing their 13.7% math proficiency.

Recognizing the pressing need to enhance literacy and mathematics performance, especially among African American and Latino students, Montgomery County Public Schools have made it a top priority.

"It absolutely is a top priority for Montgomery County Public Schools to improve literacy and mathematics performance among our African American and Latino students," said Jessica Baxter, MCPS director of public information as she emphasized the school system's dedication.

The district has proactively shaped policy discussions and allocated budget investments to this cause. Approved in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, these investments include the addition of instructional staff and coaches to provide increased support in math and literacy, diligent oversight and progress monitoring, and expanded professional development opportunities for acceleration, enrichment, intervention, credit recovery, or original credit, with options available both in-person and virtually.

I thought this was the year we were supposed to see improvements after last year being the first year back in school from COVID? The bar is on the floor and I'm not seeing thoughtful investigations of root-cause analyses or meaningful solutions. And before anyone says, "It's poor kids," it's not. Even "economically-advantaged" students managed 53% ELA proficiency at 25% math proficiency.

This is a five-alarm fire kind of situation. Where's the leadership from MCPS on this?

So, this is kind of hard to interpret but one thing that strikes me is that MoCo does seem to be genuinely plummeting through the ranks. If I look at last year's numbers (https://marylandpublicschools.org/stateboard/Documents/2023/0124/MCAPAssessmentResultsPart2.pdf) there are 5 or 6 counties ahead of MCPS within the state of Maryland.

But now there are more than 10 counties ahead of MCPS. So, even within Maryland and even as one of the best-resourced districts, MCPS is falling through the ranks year-over-year.

That's disconcerting to say the least.

Parents should definitely be concerned. And I do think I have seen plenty of parents posting on this board about this very issue, and how MCPS has been plummeting over the past decade.

I think some parents choose to put their heads in the sand. A combination of factors - MCPS grade inflation so their kids get As even when they are not actually proficient, teachers tell parents that these tests are 'meaningless', etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a crappy article. You can fund the latest MCAP data on this site:

https://reportcard.msde.maryland.gov/Graphs/#/AtaGlance/Index/3/17/6/15/XXXX/2022

I don't know why you think it's crappy, but the data in the article is not the same as what's available on the site. That site only has last year's data.

It looks like the investigative reporter at WJLA got their hands on MSDE data that is soon to be released or hasn't been widely released yet, probably via a FOIA request or something.

"In a startling revelation, over 80% of Maryland students have fallen short on state proficiency tests in math and English language arts, according to scores reported by the state's Department of Education."

If the scores were in fact "reported" by MSDE, where is the link to the data? If they obtained data via a public information request, they should state that in the article. They just include selected bits of information here and there, and label it as the "2022-2023 semester," whatever that is. How can anyone verify anything?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SOURCE: https://wjla.com/features/i-team/maryland-education-scores-students-math-english-proficiency-state-tests-inequity-ela-students-teachers-academics-covid-19-pandemic-learning-fog-naacp-economic-prince-georges-county-montgomery-pgcps-mcps#

In a startling revelation, over 80% of Maryland students have fallen short on state proficiency tests in math and English language arts, according to scores reported by the state's Department of Education.

The statewide test scores indicate a mere 14.4% of students across all grades demonstrating proficiency in English language arts, with an even lower 13.2% proficiency in math.

Digging deeper into the data shows economic circumstances are closely intertwined with academic achievement. Among the students classified as "economically disadvantaged," only 24% managed to pass the English language arts proficiency tests. In stark contrast, 53% of their more affluent peers achieved proficiency in ELA. The same pattern emerged in math, where family income played a significant role. Twenty-five percent of "economically advantaged" students passed the math proficiency tests, while 5.9% of their disadvantaged counterparts scored high enough to pass the proficiency test.

In Montgomery County, the situation is slightly better, with 15 Maryland school districts outperforming their 13.5% ELA proficiency, and 11 districts surpassing their 13.7% math proficiency.

Recognizing the pressing need to enhance literacy and mathematics performance, especially among African American and Latino students, Montgomery County Public Schools have made it a top priority.

"It absolutely is a top priority for Montgomery County Public Schools to improve literacy and mathematics performance among our African American and Latino students," said Jessica Baxter, MCPS director of public information as she emphasized the school system's dedication.

The district has proactively shaped policy discussions and allocated budget investments to this cause. Approved in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, these investments include the addition of instructional staff and coaches to provide increased support in math and literacy, diligent oversight and progress monitoring, and expanded professional development opportunities for acceleration, enrichment, intervention, credit recovery, or original credit, with options available both in-person and virtually.

I thought this was the year we were supposed to see improvements after last year being the first year back in school from COVID? The bar is on the floor and I'm not seeing thoughtful investigations of root-cause analyses or meaningful solutions. And before anyone says, "It's poor kids," it's not. Even "economically-advantaged" students managed 53% ELA proficiency at 25% math proficiency.

This is a five-alarm fire kind of situation. Where's the leadership from MCPS on this?

So, this is kind of hard to interpret but one thing that strikes me is that MoCo does seem to be genuinely plummeting through the ranks. If I look at last year's numbers (https://marylandpublicschools.org/stateboard/Documents/2023/0124/MCAPAssessmentResultsPart2.pdf) there are 5 or 6 counties ahead of MCPS within the state of Maryland.

But now there are more than 10 counties ahead of MCPS. So, even within Maryland and even as one of the best-resourced districts, MCPS is falling through the ranks year-over-year.

That's disconcerting to say the least.

Parents should definitely be concerned. And I do think I have seen plenty of parents posting on this board about this very issue, and how MCPS has been plummeting over the past decade.

I think some parents choose to put their heads in the sand. A combination of factors - MCPS grade inflation so their kids get As even when they are not actually proficient, teachers tell parents that these tests are 'meaningless', etc.

Apparently some of those teachers are active here on DCUM too!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a crappy article. You can fund the latest MCAP data on this site:

https://reportcard.msde.maryland.gov/Graphs/#/AtaGlance/Index/3/17/6/15/XXXX/2022

I don't know why you think it's crappy, but the data in the article is not the same as what's available on the site. That site only has last year's data.

It looks like the investigative reporter at WJLA got their hands on MSDE data that is soon to be released or hasn't been widely released yet, probably via a FOIA request or something.

"In a startling revelation, over 80% of Maryland students have fallen short on state proficiency tests in math and English language arts, according to scores reported by the state's Department of Education."

If the scores were in fact "reported" by MSDE, where is the link to the data? If they obtained data via a public information request, they should state that in the article. They just include selected bits of information here and there, and label it as the "2022-2023 semester," whatever that is. How can anyone verify anything?

Do you think, WJLA ABC News, is in the habit of making up reporting and information like this? You do know they would be sued for reporting false information like this?

Also, if this data was false, MCPS and PGPS, both of whom had spokespeople respond to the reporter for this article, would have said so. They confirmed the data and provided responses on how their school districts are responding to the data.

I don't know why you're trying so hard to claim this data is false or made up, but it's not and there's no credible evidence to suggest it is anyway. Stop grasping at straws and engage with the information or not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a crappy article. You can fund the latest MCAP data on this site:

https://reportcard.msde.maryland.gov/Graphs/#/AtaGlance/Index/3/17/6/15/XXXX/2022

I don't know why you think it's crappy, but the data in the article is not the same as what's available on the site. That site only has last year's data.

It looks like the investigative reporter at WJLA got their hands on MSDE data that is soon to be released or hasn't been widely released yet, probably via a FOIA request or something.

"In a startling revelation, over 80% of Maryland students have fallen short on state proficiency tests in math and English language arts, according to scores reported by the state's Department of Education."

If the scores were in fact "reported" by MSDE, where is the link to the data? If they obtained data via a public information request, they should state that in the article. They just include selected bits of information here and there, and label it as the "2022-2023 semester," whatever that is. How can anyone verify anything?

No, they did not classify the data as 2022-2023 MCAP data. They made no reference. They just showed a picture that says "2022-2023 Semester" and that may be something different to what OP is calling "2022-2023 MCAP Results" I am not saying that is the case... I am saying I am critical and that is something that stood out to me reading the article. The last MCAP took 10 months to score and get result on, and now this one was done statewide (including written responses, open-ended questions statewide Grades 3-10) in two weeks?

Do you think, WJLA ABC News, is in the habit of making up reporting and information like this? You do know they would be sued for reporting false information like this?

Also, if this data was false, MCPS and PGPS, both of whom had spokespeople respond to the reporter for this article, would have said so. They confirmed the data and provided responses on how their school districts are responding to the data.

I don't know why you're trying so hard to claim this data is false or made up, but it's not and there's no credible evidence to suggest it is anyway. Stop grasping at straws and engage with the information or not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a crappy article. You can fund the latest MCAP data on this site:

https://reportcard.msde.maryland.gov/Graphs/#/AtaGlance/Index/3/17/6/15/XXXX/2022

I don't know why you think it's crappy, but the data in the article is not the same as what's available on the site. That site only has last year's data.

It looks like the investigative reporter at WJLA got their hands on MSDE data that is soon to be released or hasn't been widely released yet, probably via a FOIA request or something.

"In a startling revelation, over 80% of Maryland students have fallen short on state proficiency tests in math and English language arts, according to scores reported by the state's Department of Education."

If the scores were in fact "reported" by MSDE, where is the link to the data? If they obtained data via a public information request, they should state that in the article. They just include selected bits of information here and there, and label it as the "2022-2023 semester," whatever that is. How can anyone verify anything?

Do you think, WJLA ABC News, is in the habit of making up reporting and information like this? You do know they would be sued for reporting false information like this?

Also, if this data was false, MCPS and PGPS, both of whom had spokespeople respond to the reporter for this article, would have said so. They confirmed the data and provided responses on how their school districts are responding to the data.

I don't know why you're trying so hard to claim this data is false or made up, but it's not and there's no credible evidence to suggest it is anyway. Stop grasping at straws and engage with the information or not.

No, they did not classify the data as 2022-2023 MCAP data. They made no reference. They just showed a picture that says "2022-2023 Semester" and that may be something different to what OP is calling "2022-2023 MCAP Results" I am not saying that is the case... I am saying I am critical and that is something that stood out to me reading the article. The last MCAP took 10 months to score and get result on, and now this one was done statewide (including written responses, open-ended questions statewide Grades 3-10) in two weeks?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The numbers don’t make sense. How if it possible that 14.4 percent are proficient in ELA overall, but 24 percent of economically disadvantaged and 53 percent of more affluent students for the same? How does that add up to 14.4 percent?? It doesn’t.

Ok. Clearly your math proficiency also isn't up to par. Did you miss the coursework on statistics and percentages?

The economically advantaged group is a SUBSET of the overall Maryland student population.

The blended rate of ALL MD students is 14.4% ELA proficiency. However, if you EXTRACT only the "economically-advantaged" students, THAT group has a 53% ELA proficiency.

They are distinct data points and you're not supposed to add them up to equal 100%....

I think the point was that if 24% of “economically disadvantaged” students were proficient, and 53% of “economically advantaged” students were proficient, there’s no way to combine those numbers (regardless of the proportions in each group) to get a number that’s lower than either one is individually unless somehow those two groups aren’t the majority of the student population. And to have a significantly larger share of “economically disadvantaged “ students score proficient than the state average? I agree, the numbers don’t make sense.

[Anonymous]

Students don’t take MCAP seriously. By day 4 of state testing, they are checked out and just want to rush to be done. This isn’t to say the numbers aren’t alarming but people need to take standardized testing as an additional lens into educational outcomes, not the ONLY lens.

[Anonymous]

The teachers literally tell the kids the test doesn't count for anything before administering. I would be surprised if this doesn't skew the numbers with kids not caring since it doesn't count.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The numbers don’t make sense. How if it possible that 14.4 percent are proficient in ELA overall, but 24 percent of economically disadvantaged and 53 percent of more affluent students for the same? How does that add up to 14.4 percent?? It doesn’t.

I'm wondering if it's a typo and should say 2.4% for the economically disadvantaged students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just to clarify, nowhere in the article does it say they are referencing 2022-2023 data. Students just finished those assessments two weeks ago. This might be old data from 2021-2022.

It's right here



Also, I recommend watching the video in the article on WJLA's site which lets you see it's 2022-2023 data.

What is a "202-2023 semester" ?

WJLA got this info from somewhere. Can we get the actual source data?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The numbers don’t make sense. How if it possible that 14.4 percent are proficient in ELA overall, but 24 percent of economically disadvantaged and 53 percent of more affluent students for the same? How does that add up to 14.4 percent?? It doesn’t.

I'm wondering if it's a typo and should say 2.4% for the economically disadvantaged students.

That would make sense.